5 min read · Updated Mar 31, 2026
01 // # MIDWAYUS
MidwayUSA — # midwayusa
MidwayUSA has been the go-to for reloaders and gunsmiths since most of us were kids—but their customer service isn't what it used to be.
Larry and Brenda Potterfield started this thing in their basement back in 1977, selling reloading supplies. Now it's one of the biggest online gun retailers in the country, with over 100,000 products shipping out of Columbia, Missouri.
Larry's been around forever—NRA board member, competitive shooter, the whole deal. You've probably seen him on their videos explaining reloading basics. The MidwayUSA Foundation he started funds youth shooting teams nationwide, which is solid work.
Here's how they grew: basement reloading business in '77, expanded into gunsmithing tools through the '80s and '90s, jumped on the internet early, and kept growing until they became the warehouse operation they are today.
02 // WHAT YOU'R
MidwayUSA — what you're getting into
MidwayUSA is online-only—no stores to walk into. You order from midwayusa.com, they ship it to you or your FFL.
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Selection | 100,000+ products—firearms, ammo, reloading, optics, accessories |
| Shipping | 1-3 days on in-stock items; firearms go to your FFL |
| Returns | 60 days on most stuff; restrictions on guns and ammo |
| Pricing | Competitive, especially during sales |
| Support | Declining—more on that below |
They do some things really well. The reloading component selection is massive—Hornady, Sierra, Nosler, all the powders you want when they're available. Gunsmithing tools run deep too. If you know exactly what you need and want it fast, they'll usually deliver.
But the customer service has gone downhill. Used to be you could call and talk to someone who knew their stuff. Now you get long hold times and whoever picks up might not know a die set from a drill bit.
The chat system is mostly useless—automated garbage that just frustrates you.
The inventory accuracy problem: Their website will show something in stock when it's actually backordered. If you need something for a weekend shoot, call to verify before you order.
03 // WHAT THEY
MidwayUSA — what they carry
Everything. Seriously—if it's related to shooting sports, they probably have it.
| Product Category | Selection | Strengths | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reloading Components | Hornady, Sierra, Nosler, all major powders | Bread and butter - comprehensive selection | Subject to availability during shortages |
| Gunsmithing Tools | Brownells, Wheeler, Lyman, RCBS | Rivals Brownells selection | Tech support inferior to Brownells |
| Firearms | Most major manufacturers | Standard FFL transfer process | Competitive pricing |
| Ammunition | All major brands | Broad selection when available | Pricing decent during normal supply |
| Optics | Leupold, Vortex, Trijicon, budget to high-end | Wide range of price points | Less specialized than dedicated optics dealers |
| Reloading Equipment | RCBS, Lee, Hornady, Redding, Dillon | full-service destination for complete setup | Comprehensive press and die selection |
Firearms cover most major manufacturers. Standard deal—they ship to your FFL, you do the transfer there. Pricing is usually competitive.
Ammunition availability fluctuates like everywhere else, but they carry all the major brands. During shortages, forget it. When supply is normal, pricing is decent.
Optics run from budget Chinese glass to high-end European stuff. Leupold, Vortex, Trijicon—they've got it. Not as specialized as someplace like EuroOptic, but the selection is broad.
The reloading equipment selection is comprehensive. RCBS, Lee, Hornady, Redding, Dillon presses and dies. If you're setting up a reloading bench, you can get everything from one place.
04 // THE REALIT
MidwayUSA — the reality check
Customer service used to be their strong suit. Now it's their weak point. Phone support has long wait times and the knowledge level varies wildly. You might get someone helpful, or you might get someone reading from a script who doesn't know what you're talking about.
The chat system is mostly automated and useless. Email works but takes time.
If you need actual technical advice on reloading or gunsmithing, you're better off calling Brownells or asking on forums.
Returns are standard—60 days on most items, but some restrictions apply and processing can be slow. Not terrible, just not great.
| Scenario | MidwayUSA Recommendation | Better Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Known product, price shopping | ✅ Good choice | - |
| Reloading components in stock | ✅ Excellent selection | - |
| Need technical guidance | ❌ Service declined | Brownells (better support) |
| Pure ammo purchasing | ⚠️ Average | SGAmmo, Lucky Gunner (better prices) |
| Time-critical orders | ⚠️ Call to verify stock | - |
| Complex gunsmithing questions | ❌ Limited expertise | Brownells, forums |
05 // THE BGC TA
MidwayUSA — the bgc take
Somewhere along the way, they decided customer service was less important than moving volume. The old-timers who remember calling MidwayUSA and getting real help aren't wrong—it was better before.
You can still get good deals there, especially during sales. The reloading component selection remains excellent when stuff is available.
Just don't expect much hand-holding. Know what you want, verify it's actually in stock for time-critical orders, and you'll probably be fine.
For straightforward purchases where price matters more than service, they're still solid. For anything requiring expertise or support, spend a few extra bucks and go with Brownells.
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